Ergonomic interventions and endodontic treatment outcomes: An analysis of dentist working posture and error rates

Abstract

Purpose: Dentists spend a long time the day in the position. It is possible that this leads to discomfort that may translate to procedural errors during treatment, such as root canal treatment. This study aims to investigate the relationship of working posture and procedural errors in endodontic manipulations. Materials and Methods: 32 dentists (17 men, 53.13%, and 15 women, 46.88%) from the University Dental Polyclinic of Uzhhorod National University (Uzhhorod, Ukraine) were included in the study. REBA, RULA, frequency of procedural errors were analysed using regression. Results: This study revealed a surprising trend where a decrease in errors during endodontic treatment was associated with higher RULA and REBA scores, contrary to the expected increase in errors with higher ergonomic stress. Additionally, the research highlighted the significant impact of a dentist's handedness and tooth position in the dental arch on treatment ergonomics and efficiency, as observed and analyzed through ergonomic assessments and statistical methods. Conclusions: The study conclusively demonstrated that optimal positioning and alignment during dental procedures significantly contribute to a reduction in procedural errors, underscoring the importance of ergonomics in clinical dentistry.

Keywords

• Stomatology
• Root canal treatment
• Musculoskeletal system
• Endodontics
• Occupational disorders